Everyone these days talks about going “green.” But what, exactly, does that mean? The phrase itself is used so loosely and covers a large range of topics, that it’s hard to pinpoint precisely what makes a green company “green.” In the simplest of terms, green means earth or eco-friendly. Therefore a green company is one that employs the use of practices, principles, and policies in order to provide a product that will positively affect the environment. This can mean they’re trying to have as little negative impact as possible or they’re specifically making a product or offering a service that really improves our environment.
Guidelines for Creating a Green Company in Connecticut
The basic guideline for creating a green company is referred to as the triple bottom line. This guideline demands that ecological and social effects be considered and often put ahead of profits when creating a product/service. A model Connecticut green company functions on three axes: people, planet and profit.
What Ecological Considerations Should Connecticut Green Companies Make?
Pollution prevention. Work to minimize the quantity of toxins used in a product along with proper mitigation of toxins at the end of the manufacturing/cultivating process.
Recycling. The decrease in waste is emphasized throughout the entire process. Waste from the actual creation of a product as well as from staff is limited. Recycled materials are employed when appropriate and the product itself needs to be easily recycled.
Water and energy conservation. The amount of water and energy used during distribution and manufacturing are kept to a minimum. The utilization of either of these sources is done so in a reserved and strategic manner. This can turn out to be particularly beneficial for a company as energy costs run high. Alternative, renewable sources of energy allow a company to hold overhead low and waste and pollution at a minimum.
Sourcing. Truly green companies in Connecticut source their products from green suppliers and make use of natural or organic raw materials. This in turn helps support the green community at large, pre-established Connecticut green companies and encourages other businesses to think about going green.
Green Business Trends in Connecticut
Green marketing. Also known as greenwashing, the word refers to spinning PR to make a company appear eco-friendly. Consumers be forewarned. To guarantee authenticity, do your own research.
Green buildings. Once an unavoidable origin of negative environmental impact, by making use of government incentives more green companies in Connecticut are building (or re-building) their offices to be environmentally friendly.
Managing e-waste. An increasing number of green companies are educating themselves on the way to properly recycle and dispose of office electronics in CT.
Transparency. Given the recent trend of greenwashing, authentically green companies are educating their consumer about their product from start to finish so as to help them make the decision. Information about where the product is acquired from and what vendors the company deals with, is readily and eagerly shared with the general public.
Popular Types of Green Companies in Connecticut
- Thrift/clothing retailers.
- Green construction
- Lodging (motels, camping parks, etc.)
- Restaurants
- Transportation (ZipCar, Honda, etc.)
- Energy (solar, wind, biodiesel, etc.)